Parents Moving in with You? How to Make Them Comfortable
The family roles have switched. Years after you’ve packed up your things and left the nest, your elderly parents are coming to move into your home. To make sure that they’re comfortable in your little nest, you should think about the following things.
Home Improvements for Safety
Your home might not be as senior-friendly as you’d like it to be. It has tripping hazards that could cause some dangerous falls. It has a bathtub that’s difficult to get in and out of. There are no grip rails in the bathroom. All of these things haven’t been a problem until now. Before your parents move in, see if you can make some home improvements that will make the entire house safe and comfortable for them.
A great way to prepare your home for the arrival of your parents is to install a stairlift. Stairlifts are a type of lift that helps people with mobility issues get up and down the stairs. They can be installed on both straight and curved staircases, and they come in a variety of different styles to suit your needs. Not only will a stairlift make it easier for your parents to get around your home, but it will also give you peace of mind knowing that they are safe when they’re using the stairs.
Other Safety Measures
The presence of COVID-19 also makes everyday errands and chores more complicated for your parents. You don’t want them to risk their health just to get some groceries or pick up some prescriptions. There are lots of convenient services that you can sign up for that will help them stay safe and away from crowds.
Sign up for grocery delivery and prescription delivery to avoid any risky trips to the store or the pharmacy. Download apps for virtual doctor’s appointments. If they really like to cook, you can even sign up for meal kit delivery services that will help them prepare dinners for the whole family without breaking a sweat. It’ll be safer than heading out to a restaurant.
Simplifying Chores
You might find that your parents are having a harder time managing a household. Errands and chores that used to give them no trouble now leave them feeling exhausted. You don’t want them to push themselves too hard for something so trivial.
Find some happy compromises that take the stress of managing a house off of their shoulders. If they’ve always scrubbed the dishes by hand, get a powerful dishwasher. If they hate lugging the vacuum around their rooms, get a robotic vacuum that will do the job for them. Sign up for outdoor maintenance services like gutter cleaning and snow shoveling.
You just don’t want them to push themselves to the brink for a pile of dirty pots or a snowy walkway.
What If It Doesn’t Work?
There is a possibility that these changes will be too much for you to manage on your own. Or maybe, the family dynamic won’t be as harmonious as you would like, and you find that within a few weeks, you’re all bickering with each other. Whatever your reasons, you don’t have to stick with this situation.
There are alternatives to having your parents move in with you. There are lots of retirement residences for your family that will cover all of these accommodations and more so that they are guaranteed to be safe and comfortable throughout their golden years. Retirement living communities can adapt to your parents’ needs. You can arrange assisted living, full care or memory care services for your parents at any time. Your parents never have to feel like they’re not getting the support that they need.
The decision could be good for you, too. Taking care of your elderly parents can lead to caregiver stress and, eventually, burnout. Having your parents move to a supportive senior community with professional care options will take some difficult responsibilities off of your shoulders. Do what’s healthy for all of you.
If your parents are moving in, you should take these steps to make sure your home is more senior-friendly. These steps will make it safe and stress-free for your new “roommates.”
